THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/15/06)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. EDITORIAL - THE GUIDELINES OF ANOINTING WITH OIL AS FOUND IN JAMES 5:14:

I believe that most churches and ministers base the anointing with oil on James 5:14 which say, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” In looking at this issue, I have tried to do a simple exegesis (critical analysis of what the text meant to the biblical audience) and a straightforward hermeneutic of the text (How the text applies to us today) of the text.

In the gospels we observe that Jesus commanded all believers to lay hands on the sick, but Jesus never commanded us to anoint anyone with oil. There is no record of Jesus ever anointing anyone with oil, and there are no descriptions of the apostles or other Christians anointing anyone with oil after the day of Pentecost. Therefore, anointing the sick (or anyone else) with oil is not an unwaiverable requirement that believers have to follow. Anointing with oil is not condemned or forbidden, so one cannot dogmatically or theologically espoused the position that it would be wrong to anoint someone with oil.

However, upon care analysis of James 5:14 clearly states that "people can ask for some of the elders of their church to come to them and pray for them and to anoint them with oil: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint [aleipho, "to rub, cover over, besmear"] him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14)

Bible scholars are not certain whether James was referring to the first-century practice of rubbing oil on the sick, or whether James was implying some kind of "sacred" anointing in the verse above.

Upon closer analysis, It is important to note that James used the Greek word for the common, everyday type of "anointing," not the Greek word for a "sacred" anointing in which the Holy Spirit is involved, and James wrote that a sick person "should," not "must" call for the elders. In other words, James was not giving us a command and telling us that the only way divine healing will work is if church elders anoint a sick person with oil and pray for the person.

If we follow James’ statement literally, anointing should not be done without a person’s request and if we follow that notion literally, it might be presumptuous of pastors to “spread oil” on everybody during an altar call or even when visiting members in theirs and anointing them without being requested to do so. The scripture says, “They should call for the elders of the church, and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (NRSV). Presbyteros is the Greek word used in the James passage for elder so it would seem to me that any anointing must be done by ordained clergy. I have seen license ministers, not in the AME Church, but in other denominations anointing people with oil freely.

Neither Jesus nor the apostles, after Pentecost, are recorded as using oil for healing, nor did they ever command anyone else to use oil for healing or for any other situation in which prayer is needed.

Therefore, we should be careful not to take James 5:14 as a dogmatic statement of how healing works. The best balance seems to be that anointing with oil can be helpful, but it is not a requirement for healing, or for any other purpose.

Anointing with oil has gained popularity in the church. I suspect that its popularity is may be tied in with the Pentecostalism, neo-Pentecostalism and the charismatic movements and people may see anointing as an innovative approach to liven up traditional worship. There is no harm in anointing, but I believe that we should remain as faithful to the biblical passages as possible.

Your comments are invited.

2. I DID IT!:

Shortly after Mother’s Day, I wrote that I had started reading The Bible from cover to cover in 90 Days. I am pleased to share that I have completed that challenge and have read the Bible from cover to cover. I am so glad because I did not want to be one of those preachers who had preached and pastored and had not read the Bible from cover to cover.

3. A MISSION TO LESOTHO - “A LIGHT TO LESOTHO”:

We pray this letter has reached you with the Blessings of God. The Women’s Missionary Society of the 5th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and Supervisor Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, are mobilizing a Missionary Journey to Maseru, Lesotho located in South Africa. This mission is scheduled to take place December 4-14, 2006.

The Mission to Lesotho is offering an opportunity to be engaged at 3 levels:

i. Faith Formation: Learning the Spiritual Disciplines.
ii. Spiritual Practice: Operating in Biblical Manifestation.
iii. Global Missions: Identifying the 3 areas that mirror your Gift/Calling and completing your “assignment” in Lesotho.

The Belief of Rev. C, is “Our Destiny is to be the Radiance of the Kingdom of Heaven”

Come be a part of this Mission movement. A Light to Lesotho is an opportunity to share in the Episcopacy of Bishop Sarah Frances Davis and Supervisor Claytie Davis of the 18th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Lesotho is a nation having the third largest rate of HIV/AIDS infection. Our expectation is to join with them as they attempt to alleviate the suffering caused by this disease. Through education, prevention techniques, and health resources we will provide a beacon of hope to the population of Lesotho. The ministry of this mission will also touch the children of Lesotho as we take part in the birth of a much needed orphanage. Children are raising each other as the HIV/AIDS virus is taking their family and they have no where else to turn.

We are seeking all denominations to partner with us on this journey; doctors, nurses, missionaries as well as lay are welcome and needed on this mission. Say, "Yes" in praise to God as you join the co-travelers to Lesotho. A registration fee of $100.00(non-refundable) is now due and may be sent to:

Keep in Prayer our journey: "From Many Nations - One Sisterhood" Lesotho Joint Initiative - December 4 - 14, 2006 Interested in journeying with us please contact me for more information.

A Light to Lesotho
WGRDI, Inc.
1968 West Adams Blvd. Suite 401
Los Angeles, Ca 90018

For More Information visit our web site: http://www.aspiritualuplift.com/

Submitted by Theresa LawrenceEmail: isweettee@aol.com Telephone: 310-639-4206 (leave message)

4. GIDEON’S MEN - AN OVERVIEW- A PROGRAM TO RECRUIT MORE MEN IN THE CHURCH:

*The Reverend Dr. L. Anthony Gatewood
*The Reverend Dr. Steven A. Jackson

In his book Adam, Where are You? Why Black Men Don’t Go to Church, Jawanza Kunjufu says African American churches are 75% filled with women and girls and most of the remaining 25% are elderly men and boys. In his effort to understand the mindsets of young adult black males, he lists some 21 reasons that his sampling of the unchurched gave for giving up on the church. These included a general disdain for the clergy that are often perceived as taking advantage of weak-willed old women who support the pastors’ fancy cars and new suits. He further states that the church has sold out and is more concerned for its own self-preservation than the needs of the poor. Not to belabor the point, but John W. Fountain, a professor of Journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, wrote in the Washington Post Sunday, July 17, 2005: “Sunday mornings used to mean something special to me. But now I face them with dread, with bittersweet sorrow that tugs at my heart and a headache-inducing tension that makes me reach for the Advil.” He goes on to say, “I am torn between my desire to play hooky from church and my Pentecostal indoctrination that Sunday is the Lord’s Day, a day of worship when real men are supposed to lead their families into the House of God.” He concludes that He is disconnected, not from God but from the Church.

The following statistics are according to the United States Census Bureau and American Sociological Association News.

--52% of all marriages end within the first five years and 60% of all second marriages end within the first three years. The numbers are higher as the number of times a person gets married rises. This leaves many homes without a male figure present in the home.

--20% of all Black men born between 1965 and 1969 have served time in prison. For those who did not attend college it is 30.2% and for those who dropped out of high school it is 58.9%.
--54% of Black children are born into or live in single parent households.

--More Black young men have served time in prison than have served in the military or have attended college.

--79.9 % of Black men presently incarcerated have never regularly attended church or Sunday School.

In looking at these statistics and in reviewing the remarks made by Black men concerning Church attendance, a focused and organized effort to Evangelize, Recruit, Train, and Retain men of all ages within the Church is needed. The development of a Movement that is directed toward men and the development of Men’s Ministry programs to offset and counteract the present situation is imperative for the AME Church to survive. Hence Gideon’s Men!

Rationale

We are in a similar position in our Zion that the four leprous men in II Kings 7:3-5 found themselves. “Why sit here till we die? If we keep on doing what we’re doing we die. If we go into the city with the famine there we die. [If we go to Annual Conference we die.] And if we sit here we die. Now come; let us go.” And verse 5 says, “They rose up in the twilight,” and we know the rest of the story.

We call your attention to the book of Judges 7:2, Gideon’s men. The Lord tells Gideon, “The people are too many. Some are fearful and some are afraid. Let them go home.” In verse 4 God says, “I will test them,” and their number then dwindled to 300. Then God said in verse 7, “By the 300 I will save you.”

We now need Gideon’s Men. We need to think and go beyond traditional types of programs and methods to identify, evangelize, attract and maintain men of all ages in our AME churches. We need a Movement that will show the AME men of today the kind of God Jesus is and the kind of man he was when he walked the earth.

The creation and development Of Gideon’s Men will focus the attention and energies of Presiding Elder Districts in constructive and productive ways to identify Gideon’s Men in our local Churches and in each Presiding Elder District.

We need a Movement that has men, their problems, concerns, goals, weaknesses and strengths as its focus, which can and will positively impact the presence and growth of men in our AME churches.

We need an evangelistic Movement targeted to the unchurched and the unsaved that will teach and show the positive impact and benefits that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can have on an individual’s life and circumstances.

We need to develop programs focusing on Integrity, Competence, Commitment and Action! These programs will deal with Assertiveness, Self Control, Self-confidence, Stability and Manhood.

Recruitment

In the Scripture Gideon’s men were hand picked by God! Therefore,

Phase 1 will be those within our structure who personally know Jesus in the pardoning of their sins and who are not afraid or ashamed to stand up in public and TELL IT. They are those who are NOT ASHAMED of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Phase 2 is TLP (Trumpets, Lamps, Place): Basic Training from Judges 7:16-25. Gideon’s 300 men were divided into three companies carrying trumpets and lamps. They blew the trumpets and let their lights shine. And verse 21 states, “They stood every man in his place.” So Trumpets, Lamps, Place (TLP) is basic training for Gideon’s Men. Trumpets stand for your personal testimony of belief in Jesus (You have to shout it). The lamp reflects the light of Jesus in your life (You have to let your light shine). And, place is your particular position in the body of Christ (Every man has his place).
Phase 3 is Recruitment and Evangelism to be implemented after Phases 1 and 2 are completed.

Phase 4 is Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Workshop, Masculine Journey Workshop, and Six Stages of Manhood Workshop.

Fellowship

The fellowship approach to reaching out to AME Church men is one that takes into account the kinds of activities men enjoy and seek to do. We understand that the male bonding process, for the majority of men, is found in what they do as they talk and interact as opposed to just plain and simple conversation. Many activities that appeal to some men may not appeal to others. These activities include but are not limited to indoor and outdoor sports like fishing, hunting, racing, football, basketball, baseball, horseback riding, cooking, and other competitions. These activities are just a few of the ones men get involved in that lead to developing friendships and lasting relationships.

Fellowship events and activities will be scheduled on a regular basis. Creating this type of scheduling will allow men to make the event or activity a part of their routine and lifestyle.

Examples of Suggested Events and Activities

1. Men’s Bible Study Bi-monthly
2. Men’s Night out—Sporting events: professional, college, high school
3. Construction Projects—Fix up-Paint up smaller AME church property
4. Demolition Projects- The tearing down of neighborhood eyesores
5. Bar-B-Que Cook Off
6. Fishing Tournament
7. Bible Bowl Championship
8. Father Son-Father Daughter events
9. Board or Card Game Tournament
10. Weight Control/Exercise
11. Hunting

Implementation

The implementation process of Gideon’s Men is suggested to begin in the following ways.

1. We begin with the development of the Sons of Allen organization within each local church and within each Presiding Elder District. Where the local church cannot host a Sons of Allen organization, two or more churches can come together to create the Movement.

2. Each Presiding Elder District would then schedule a quarterly Men’s Night Out.

A decision must be made to start. Problems are solved when solutions are put into place and acted upon. Ways to implement this Movement will differ depending on the community and location of the local church. We need to mobilize our hope now. Zero action equals zero results.

Closing

To reiterate this program, Gideon’s Men a Movement directed at enhancing the status of men in the AME Church. It is directed toward, evangelizing, recruiting, retraining, and retaining men in our local churches. The positive impact of developing Gideon’s Men will have an immediate positive effect on the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Reverend Dr. Jo A. Baldwin, Editor

*The Rev. L.A. Gatewood is the Presiding Elder of the Columbus District of the Ohio Conference of the 3rd Episcopal District; Telephone: 216-314-6713; Email: lagatewood@yahoo.com

*The Rev. S.A. Jackson is the pastor of Ball's Temple AMEC Greenville, Mississippi; Telephone: 662-289-1116; Email: revjackmain@yahoo.com

Episcopal Districts, annual Conferences, local churches may contact the authors to schedule training dates.

5. THE RIGHT REVEREND VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE TAPPED TO BE A PRESENTER AT THE 2007 HAMPTON MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:

Bishop McKenzie will be presenting one of the lectures at the 2007 Hampton Ministers Conference.

Hotel reservations should be made now. The conference host hotel is the Embassy Suites - Hampton Roads Convention Center and they currently have rooms available.

The 2007 Hampton Ministers Conference will be held June 3 -8, 2007 at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.

Submitted by the Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

6. EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR, DR. JOAN COUSIN'S VISION RECEIVES GRANT $66,483.00 FOR CHILDREN IN LOBATSE, BOTSWANA:

By the Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer

The vision became a reality of Dr. M. Joan Cousin, who presently serves as the Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was compelled by God to implement a center for children with HIV/AIDS, while serving at that time, in the First Episcopal District. The year of 1999, The M. Joan Cousin Women and Youth Empowerment Center became a reality, which presently serves approximately 115 persons in Lobatse, Botswana.

However, her vision has grown extensively throughout Lobatse and surrounding areas in preventing the widespread of HIV/AIDS among children. Because of the widespread of AIDS more funding is needed to assist these children in providing educational and medical assistance.

Dr. Cousin reality became alive, when a GRANT from PACT, a United States a Non Governmental Organization, which receives funds from numerous sources including the United States Government, presented a grant to the M. Joan Cousin Women and Youth Empowerment center. According to Program Manager for the M. Joan Cousin Center, Presiding Elder M. B. W. Moruakgomo expressed that; “The grant for $66,483.00 will be for 3 years, which will be distributed annually depending on the funding from PACT.” Then fiscal year which began February 20, 2006 and ending March 19, 2007. The current funding received by the M. Joan Cousin Women and Youth Empowerment Center is funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for Africa.

Dr. Cousin’s vision of compassion and for the love of children is also alive and helping children in the 15th Episcopal District, whereas, The M. Joan Cousin HIV/AIDS Mission recently has opened its New Headquarters and being of service to families and children in Bellville, South Africa. The center is the only facility in South Africa which is providing blood testing, counseling, medical care, home based care for the disabled and the elderly in the meeting their needs.

As a visionary, distinguished leader, builder, teacher, wife and mother, she is not only exemplified in the mission field but also in her family. She is married to The Illustrious, Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr., Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District. They are the proud parents of 5 sons better known by their colleagues as “those Preaching Cousins” Rev. Phillip R. Cousin, Jr., M.Div., a candidate for Episcopal Service for 2008, Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Sr., M.Div., Rev. David Cousin, M.Div., Rev. Michael Cousin, M.Div., and Rev. Joseph Cousin, D.Min.

Supervisor Cousin is presently implementing programs within the Fourth Episcopal District in further enhancing Children in South Africa in continuous support of these projects.

Bishop Sarah F. Davis serves as The Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District and Bishop Samuel Green is the Presiding Bishop of the 15th Episcopal District.


*Special thanks to Presiding Elder Moruakgomo for contributing to this article.

7. FISK CHAPEL AME YOUTH TRACK & FIELD WEEKEND DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS:

*Jesse Y. Harris

The Fisk Chapel Trustee Board hosted a weekend of track and field geared to our young people. The Lord blessed us with an outstanding program Friday evening July 14th as we kicked off the event with our First Annual Track and Field Hall of Fame Induction for outstanding former athletes, coaches, or administrators who are inspirational role models for our youth. The Reverend Warren S. DeShields is the pastor of Fisk Chapel AME Church

On Friday July 14, we inducted 14 men and women into the Hall Of Fame at our church. The group included three former Olympic competitors, two Olympic coaches, two world record holders, and several athletes who qualified for the Olympic trials. The ceremonies were open to the public. Families and friends came to help us celebrate the event. Photos and biographies can be found on our website http://www.fiskchapelame.org/ . After the ceremonies we held a reception on our parish hall.

On Saturday July 15th we hosted a youth track and field meet at Count Basie Track in Red Bank, NJ. The track meet included individuals and teams representing churches, track clubs and recreation programs. We presented individual and team awards including outstanding athlete awards for each division

Running, throwing, and jumping events as well as relays were grouped my age for athletes ages 8 and under and up to athletes who were 18-year-old. Team awards were presented in each division. Overall team awards were presented to the first, second and third place teams (all divisions combined). Medals were awarded to the first second and third place finishers in each division. Outstanding athlete awards were presented to the top scoring boy and girl in each division.

The meet results are posted on http://www.fiskchapelame.org/ .

For additional information e-mail http://us.f353.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=fiskchapelame@yahoo.com or call the meet director Dr. Jesse Y. Harris at 732-747-1752. For those who missed the event this year we would like for you to contact us by e-mail in order that we can keep you updated about next years event. We were extremely pleased with the responses of our participants this year. All indicated that they would look forward to participating again in 2007. (Tentative date of track meet Saturday July 21st, 2007)

*Jesse Y. Harris is a Trustee at Fisk Chapel Trustee and Youth Meet Director
E-Mail: http://us.f353.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=fiskchapelame@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.fiskchapelame.org/

8. GRANT AME CHURCH CONFERENCE - CALL TO PREACH:

September 10th at 3:45 p.m.

CHURCH CONFERENCE - CALL TO PREACH - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!" {Isaiah 6:8} The Lord our God is moving on the hearts of people. He is calling into the ordained ministry: Sister Kenya Francis, Sister Sharolyn Gailliard, Sister Theresa Lawrence, and Brother Ian Lawrence. They will offer unto God, themselves, in and through the Trail Sermon process. All members of Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church are hereby notified and prayerfully requested to be present for this Church Conference, that you may affirm their Call into Ministry. Please also allow these candidates to have a special interest in your prayers.

Grace and Power;
Pastor Leslie White.

9. RENOWNED A.M.E. PREACHER, THE REVEREND MARVIN LUTHER CRAWFORD, SR., M.D., M.DIV, RECEIVES RECOGNITION IN HELPING YOUTH FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD DISEASES:

By the Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer

The African Methodist Episcopal Church a “21st Century Church, Living Well While Serving a Never Changing Christ,“ is also, the concept of the Rev. Dr. Marvin Luther Crawford, Sr., Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Lithonia, Georgia of the sixth Episcopal District, where the Illustrious leader, the Right Reverend William P. DeVeaux serves as the Presiding Prelate and Dr. Pamela DeVeaux serves as the Episcopal Supervisor. The Rev. Dr. Marvin Crawford, Sr. is incorporating the A.M.E.’s theme as a ministry, in promoting Living Well physically and spiritually, for longer and healthier lives.

On any given day, this tall Stately immaculate well-dressed preacher, medical doctor, teacher, husband, father, can be found ministering at St. Paul A.M.E. Church or the campus of Morehouse School of Medicine.

Crawford is an exceptional young man in the field of religion and medicine. While talking with one his colleagues he expressed that; “Rev. Dr. Crawford reminds me of the late Renown Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who was known as a great organist, medical doctor and Missionary. He reaches people with the common touch and has a genuine spirit which radiates as a Man of God. The Lord has blessed him with many gifts in which he reaches out to everyone he meets with a humble spirit, full of compassion and love for others.
Drs. Henry and Ella Mitchell, renowned homiletics professors, described him as a country scholar with an excellent narrative gift.

Crawford’s gift touched the lives of many who recently attended the Annual Breakfast and Conversation Community Seminar recently held in South Florida at the Marriott Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Church and community leaders, medical colleagues, educational supporters and youth were in attendance for this momentous occasion. The seminar purpose was to develop means in promoting and preventing health issues throughout the United States as this issue relates to children and adults children suffering with diabetes, hypertension and HIV/Aids.

As a highly respected internal medicine physician across the United States, the A.M.E. Connectional Church and in the community, Dr. Crawford is noted for his ability to implement spiritually into patient care and is one of the nation’s authentic experts in this area. Crawford is noted for assisting in the development of the Morehouse School of Medicine curriculum on spirituality and medicine which was one of the first programs in the nation with a media release in over 400 newspapers and other sources.

He is a graduate of Albany State University, where he graduated magna cum laude and pursued his medical training at the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine, while also preparing for ordination in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Crawford completed a residence program in Internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and later received the Master’s In Divinity with honors from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pastor Crawford has centered his spiritual energies into encouraging the congregants to love one another and to be of service to the church and the community. He has developed in all of his pastorates programs such as; food banks, educational assistance, health care education, economic empowerment, youth development, substance abuse intervention and housing and crime prevention has been the central areas of his ministry.

Among the many accolades bestowed upon him includes; The Clark’s Preaching Award of ITC, The John Templeton Foundation award for his spirituality and Medicine curriculum endeavors, Morehouse School of Medicine Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year (six times in 11- year career) Three consecutive times for the overall Teacher of the Year, Dean’s Faculty of the Year award; The Terrell County Georgia, Chapter of the NAACP Award for Theological and Medical Pursuits only to name a few.

Crawford received a proclamation recently by, The Honorable Senator Mandy Dawson, The Florida Senate, for his years of service nationally, to the A.M.E. Church and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. For his service in promoting Health and Wellness in the United States.

Pastor Crawford serves as The Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Lithonia, Georgia of the Sixth Episcopal District. He is married to the lovely, Dr. Sherell Vicks Crawford, M.D., an internal medicine physician, who also serves as the Episcopal Director for the YPD of the Six Episcopal District. They are the parents of two children.

10. THE 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

The Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams II
Presiding Bishop

The Palmetto Conference
96th Session
August 21-25, 2006
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
300 W. Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
The Rev. Jerome Wilson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Allen W. Parrott, Host Presiding Elder - Kingstree District
The Rev. Alonzo Middleton, Associate Presiding Elder - Mt. Pleasant District
The Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Associate Presiding Elder - Georgetown District

The Northeast Conference
115th Session
August 28-September 1, 2006
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
1305 East Cheves Street/P. O. Box 677
Florence, SC 29503
843-662-2316
The Rev. Julius H. McAlister, Host Pastor
The Rev. Theron E. Shields Sr., Host Presiding Elder - Florence-Dillon District
The Rev. Charles J. Graves, Associate Presiding Elder - Marion District
The Rev. Robert L. McCants, Associate Presiding Elder - Sumter

The Columbia Conference
129th Session
September 11-15, 2006
Miller Chapel A.M.E. Church
500 Caldwell StreetP.O. Box 601
Newberry, SC 29108
864-426-2562
The Rev. Rubin Smalls, Host Pastor
The Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, Host Presiding Elder - Newberry/Spartanburg District
Rev. William Smith, Associate Presiding Elder - Columbia District
Rev. James R. Glover, Associate Presiding Elder - Lancaster District

The South Carolina Conference
143rd Session
September 18-22, 2006
Bethel A.M.E. Church
5585 Memorial Blvd
St. George, SC 29477
843-563-4043
The Rev. Jonathan C. Roberts, Host Pastor
The Rev. John Randolph, Host Presiding Elder - Charleston District
The Rev. John H. Gillison, Associate Presiding Elder - Edisto District
The Rev. Samuel Myers, Associate Presiding Elder - Beaufort District

The Piedmont Conference
96th Session
October 2-6, 2006
St. James A.M.E. Church
205 Henry McNeil Turner Street
Abbeville, SC 29620
864-459-2035
The Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Host Pastor
Rev. Oscar A. Klugh, Host Presiding Elder-Abbeville/Greenwood District
The Rev. Jonathan J. Baker, Associate Presiding Elder-Greenville District

The Central Conference
83rd Session
October 9-13, 2006
Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church
5225 North Road
Orangeburg, SC 29118
The Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, Host Pastor
The Rev. Robert B. Cooper, Host Presiding Elder - Wateree District
The Rev. Willie J. Baxter, Associate Presiding Elder - Orangeburg District
The Rev. Malachi Duncan, Associate Presiding Elder - Manning District

Seventh Episcopal District
Post-Conference Planning Meeting
November 9-11, 2006
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
109 Green Street
Greenville, SC 29601
864-233-4181 Church 864-268-1704 Pastor
The Rev. Caesar R. Richburg, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jonathan Baker, Host Presiding Elder

11. SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDITION OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Those who would like to subscribe to any of the foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online may do so by forwarding their names / email addresses and in which language they would like to receive The Christian Recorder Online. The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online will only be forwarded to those who subscribe. The Christian Recorder, in addition to being published in English, is published in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Dutch.

Subscribers may subscribe by forwarding their names, email addresses and the language in which they would like to receive The Christian Recorder to chsydnor@bellsouth.net

12. EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Father of Episcopal Supervisor Carol Messiah, Mr. Joseph Marcus Peterkin of Trinidad and Tobago, and father-in-law of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District passed.

Mr. Joseph Marcus Peterkin was called Home to Glory on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 and will be buried on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

The funeral service will be held at the Anglican Church Parish, Cochrane Village, Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago.

Messages of condolences may be sent to:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park NorthKraaifontein, 7570Republic of South Africa

Email: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

Their home telephone number in Trinidad and Tobago is (868) 648 3319

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Loga B. Odom. She was the mother of Rev. Martin Odom, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Harrisburg, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral Service - Saturday, August 12, 2006

Viewing – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Service – 12:00 noon
St. James A.M.E. Church
588 M. L. King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102

The Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, Pastor
Telephone: 973-622-1344
Fax: 973-622-6912

Flowers may be sent to the Church and Condolences may be sent to:
The Odom Family
134 Hansbury Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112

Please remember Rev. Odom and the family in your prayers.

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The 8th Episcopal District, led by Bishop C. G. Henning, Sr. and Mrs. Yvonne H. Parks, has lost the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Harry Snearl who crossed over to be with the Lord - Friday, August 4, 2006. He was the husband of Mrs. Almeta J. Snearl, President of the Central Louisiana Conference MSWAWO+PK and the father of the Rev. Gwendolyn Snearl, pastor of St. Peter AMEC of New Roads, Louisiana. The Rev. Otis Lewis is the Presiding Elder.

Visitation will take place Friday August 11, 2006 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. followed by a Homegoing Service from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at:

St. Luke A.M.E. Church
300 Oak Street
Donaldsonville, LA
Phone: 225-473-3521
The Rev. Harry Snearl, pastor

An additional Homegoing Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 11:00 AM.

Nazarene Baptist Church
6571 Highway 1 South
Brusly, LA 70719
Phone-225-749-5678

Roscoe Mortuary is in charge:
58635 Meriam Street
Plaquemine, LA 70764
Phone: 225-687-4216
Fax: 225-687-9637

Please remember the Snearl family in prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,
Norweda L. Carter
8th MSWAWO+PK President

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: stjamescleveland@yahoo.com

The passing of Sister Elizabeth McCray, the spouse of the late Presiding Elder, Rev. Thomas L. McCray, North Ohio Annual Conference, 3rd Episcopal District.

Service arrangements:

Wednesday, August 16, 2006
10:00 AM - Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Alpha Services
10:30 AM - Family Hour
11:00 AM - Funeral Service

St. James AME Church
8401 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103-5045

(216) 231-3562 Phone
(216) 231-6877 Fax

The Reverend Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor
Email: stjamescleveland@yahoo.com

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to St. James AME Church, address above:

Or to

Terri McCray (daughter) and Thomas McCray (twin son)
1092 East 98th Street
Cleveland OH 44108
216-761-4515 Phone

Professional services entrusted to:

E. F. Boyd & Sons Funeral Homes
2165 89th Street
Cleveland, OH 44106-3420

216-791-0770 Phone
216-421-2776 Fax

Please remember the family in your prayers.

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The passing of Nathaniel McFarland of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mr. McFarland was the son of Dr. Ruth M. Akins (widow of Presiding Elder C. C. Akins - Stuttgart District, ENE Arkansas Annual Conference).

Services will be held: Wednesday, August 16th, 2:00 p.m.:

The Kingdom Hall
225 Marian Anderson Road
Hot Springs, AR 71901

Dr. Akins may be reached at:

123 Commercial Drive, Building B, Apartment 4
Stuttgart, AR 72160

Phone: 870-673-6799.

Anita Brannon, Office Manager

Please remember the family in your prayers.

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/9/06)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDITION OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Those who would like to subscribe to any of the foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online may do so by forwarding their names / email addresses and in which language they would like to receive The Christian Recorder Online. The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online will only be forwarded to those who subscribe. The Christian Recorder, in addition to being published in English, is published in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Dutch.

Subscribers may subscribe by forwarding their names, email addresses and the language in which they would like to receive The Christian Recorder to chsydnor@bellsouth.net

2. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

Please click on the link below to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online: Subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online

3. RECEPTION FOR ASTRONAUT STEPHANIE WILSON:

Submitted by the Rev W. C. Ervin iii

The Rev. Brenda Payne, Pastor-Reedy Chapel AMEC, Galveston, Texas extends and invitation for everyone to share in a celebration of Astronaut Stephanie Wilson.

Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Galveston, Texas, invites you to a celebration to welcome back, and to thank our AME Astronaut, Mission Specialist STS 121 Stephanie D. Wilson for the successful flight and return of Discovery, launched on our nation's birthday.

We honor Stephanie and the Discovery crew who spent 13 days in space travel, including connection with the International Space Station.

The service of recognition is free to the public, and will be held at Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2013 Broadway, Galveston, Texas at 4:30 P.M. on Saturday, August 26, 2006. A refreshment reception will be immediately following the celebration at Old Central Cultural Center.

4. THE FIRST ANNUAL 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY RETREAT:

The 1st Annual 13th Episcopal District Women in Ministry Retreat will be held August 11-12, 2006 at Scarritt-Bennett Retreat Center on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The retreat is open to all women, regardless of denomination, who serve in ministry (preaching, pastoral, missionary, Church School, Christian Education, dance ministry, music ministry, helps ministry, administration, lay speakers, exhorters, evangelists, etc.).

Retreat registration is $150 and includes lodging and three meals. For those not requiring overnight accommodations, day registration is $75. A retreat brochure can be downloaded on the 13th District website at www.13thame.com.

Retreat presenters/preachers include Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart and Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Davis.

The opening and closing worship services are free and open to the public, so if it is not yours, to attend the entire retreat, please feel free to join the retreat participants and presenters in worship at 7:30 P.M. on Friday, August 11, 2006 and/or 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, August 12, 2006. All worship services will be held in the Harambee Auditorium at Scarritt-Bennet Center.

Retreat registration can be completed on line at www.13thame.com, or by contact your conference Women In Ministry Coordinator or by calling the 13th District Office at 615-242-6814.

Please share this information with those women who serve in ministry in your congregation.

5. NOT YOUR MOMMA’S CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION:
CAMDEN-TRENTON DISTRICT PRESENTS A “BLUEPRINT FOR BUILDING A FAMILY”:

*By Leslie Tyler

Picture this: traditional AME worship services and church school lessons infused with modern day gospel hip hop… Spirit-filled rap lyrics performed by two Ex-Los Angeles street gang rivals who find common-ground, and a common denominator in Christ Jesus… A local pastor who, in the middle of his sermon, breaks out singing a Holy Ghost inspired version of the The Temptations’ Grammy Award winning hit “Papa Was a Rollin Stone” (the entire congregation, by the way, joins in). Then, a live street drama unfolds right in the middle of the sanctuary in which a young thug attempts to rob an “old school” dude of his ATM card with a loaded weapon. The gun is a fake, but the message of redemption is real for more than 200 Church School Convention goers from the Camden-Trenton, New Jersey Districts. Under the leadership of Presiding Elder Robert C. Wade and District Consultant Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade, members from 24 churches convened at Historical Macedonia AMEC in Camden, NJ on June 16 and 17 for “Blueprints for Building a Family,” a first of its kind retreat that was truly ‘not your momma’s church school convention.’ “Kudos to Pastor & Mrs. Tyler and to the Macedonia Church Family for an exceptional job in hosting and in providing a remarkable and memorable learning experience,” said Presiding Elder Wade.

There was nearly a full 24 hours of church school teachings that were both spiritual and relevant. In recent weeks, there had been an increase in incidents of gun violence, drug overdoses, and gang activity in both cities and surrounding suburbs. Organizers felt it was important to address the needs of the community, as well as uplift the spirit of “the regulars.” In addressing those needs, the host pastor Rev. Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler emphasized just how important it is to speak to people in a language they understand. “The use of gospel hip hop or gospel street drama is nothing more than a modern day parable,” says Rev. Dr. Tyler. “Jesus addressed the crowds. He made difficult concepts easy to understand by using illustrations that His hearers could easily relate to in their own lives.”

The “Friday Night Alive” free outdoor gospel hip hop concert featured South Jersey’s own “God’s Gang” and “Psalm 7,” a rap duo made up of two former members of the notorious Los Angeles street gangs, the “Crips” and the “Bloods.” In the late 80’s, Lawrence Stone was a member of the Los Angeles “Bloods” and Rev. Marlon Henderson was a member of the Los Angeles “Crips.” Now some 20 years later, still clad in their blue and red colors, the two testified through rap lyrics about where they’ve been, what they’ve seen, and how they beat the odds and turned their lives around. Both men turned away from a life filled with drug dealing, gang banging, and even serving time in prison. They now serve the Lord with a spirit filled message of hope delivered in a creative method that young people listen to and understand. “If one could have seen the eyes of the children as they clapped and swayed to the music in Macedonia’s Church yard under the stars,” said Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade. Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor of Mt. Zion AMEC in Trenton said this year’s convention took on an entire new paradigm, catering directly to the church school convention’s target audience of children, youth, and young adults. “The Christian rappers that were comprised of young adult males gave a Christian message in a very unique and extraordinary way,” said Rev. Justice. “It was simply great!!!”

The gospel rap concert was preceded by a powerful opening night worship service featuring the Camden-Trenton District Choir led by Evangelist Iris Watters. The night also featured a hip hop dance routine by the Camden-Trenton District Praise Dancers under the direction of Sister Raquel Hill. Reverend Archie Cummings (formerly) of Union AMEC in Allentown, NJ delivered the sermon that night setting the stage for the outdoor concert.

As if Friday wasn’t enough, Saturday’s classes convened in the nearby San Miguel Schoolhouse. Students ages 1 and over participated in interactive church school lessons while the pastors received a lesson on family building from Rev. Won Kyu Rim from the New Jersey Family Policy Council.

After ‘going to school’, attendees sat on the edge of their seats as the local street drama ministry troupe “Salt World” performed. The actors were led by Phillip Brown, a former writer for the popular TV show, “That’s So Raven.” “Salt World” unleashed a powerful 30 minute drama in which a young man goes from trying to rob an older man at gun point, to putting down his (toy) weapon and picking up the bible. The dynamic dialogue and Lauren Hill-like solo performances were “in your face” and had a lasting impression on the hearts and souls of all in attendance. “My heart palpitated and tears flowed from my wife’s eyes as the drama unfolded,” said Presiding Elder Wade. “This “guerilla” style performance touched our emotions in a manner we shall not soon forget,” he added. “The intensity of their performance intensified and spurred the Camden-Trenton District to find new and innovative ways to indeed make a difference!” Fourteen year old Angeline Durham will be a sophomore at Camden’s School of Creative and Performing Arts High School. She says “the skit” was the most memorable part of the weekend. “It was excellent…. Inspiring… showed how we talk and how we think,” she says. “That could really happen! It showed people like us can be saved just sitting out on the street.”

Rev. Maurice Barnes, Pastor of Grace AMEC in Crosswicks, NJ closed out the convention with an hour-of-power service in which he literally broke out singing “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” in the middle of his sermon. The worship service was followed by an old fashioned backyard cookout. “We had something for everybody,” said Camden-Trenton District Church School Superintendent Rev. Terrel Persons. “(It) was a success and it accomplished our mission to educate, equip and empower our people.” I guess you could say, in less than two days, the Camden-Trenton district truly mapped out the ‘blueprint for building a family.’

*Leslie Tyler is the wife of the Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, pastor of Historic Macedonia AME Church in Camden, NJ

6. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SEMINARY GRADUATES:

The Rev. Sherry Highbaugh Smith - Columbia International University - Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina

The Rev. Rhudene Toomer - Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, South Carolina

The Rev. Tobie Pollock - Columbia International University - Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina

7. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER –AME CHAPLAIN SELECTED FOR PROMOTION:

Chaplain Maurice Buford, AME Itinerant Elder, who is currently assigned to the Naval Station in Rota Spain was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander (0-4) - (this is equivalent to a Major in the Army and Air Force).

8. FLORIDA CONFERENCE NATIVE SON TO PREACH ANNUAL SERMON:

*By: Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer

The Rev. Charles A. Morris, a native of Tallahassee,, Florida grew up on the hills surrounding Florida A. and M. University, Tallahassee, Florida where he is appreciative for his spiritual and educational training as a child. He received his formative years of training in Tallahassee and graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He later matriculated at Florida State University and earned a Master of Public Administration degree. After God's call to enter ministry he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and entered the Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1991 and was awarded the Benjamin E. Mayes Fellowship and served as President of the Student Government Ministry at I.T.C., Atlanta, Georgia.

Pastor Morris will be the Preacher of the hour for the Florida Conference opening Worship Service on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., at the site of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tallahassee, Florida. The Rev. Lee Plummer and the Saint James A.M.E. Church, Quincy, Florida is the Host Pastor. The Illustrious Bishop McKinley Young is the Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District comprising Florida and the Bahamas Island.

Rev. Morris has been blessed with many gifts and graces and is known among his colleagues as a humble servant for the Lord. Morris, presently serves as Pastor of Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he has for actively Eight years under his administration has led the church to unlimited ministries in serving the community. Among his many gifts and graces; he is a Preacher, Bible Teacher, and Christian Educator where he served as the Director of Christian Education for the Eleventh Episcopal District from 1999-2004, Certified Pastoral Counselor, Certified U.S.G.A. Performance Auditor and travels extensively abroad and in the United States as a Workshop and Seminar Facilitator for churches and organizations.

He was awarded by the Tallahassee District as Pastor of the Year in 1999, Man of the Year awarded by the Tallahassee Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and serves on the Board of Directors for the Ecumenical ministerial Alliance of Florida.

The Reverend Charles A. Morris is the son of Mrs. Ruth Morris Jackson, Tallahassee, Florida. The community is cordially invited to attend.

*The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE, is a Staff Writer for The Christian Recorder

9. THE MUSIC CORNER - CHOIR STAND!

*Mark Brandon

Selecting the Right Music

“When I say Jesus you say Christ, Jesus - Christ! Jesus…” is a popular hip hop based call and response refrain that has often been heard as part of contemporary music worship. The leader encourages the “followship” in a communion of boisterous, adoration, praise and assurance. Many voices speaking as one is the extroverted and rhythmic implication. With the organist, keyboardist, and drummer kicking out a hot groove underneath this chant, it seems obvious at these moments that everybody is on board with this “Jesus thing”— or am I just hoping that they are?

The popular hymn “Blessed Assurance.” has been surely sung by millions from every walk of life over the years. Playing as a musician on the choir stand, I have often wished that I could, if only for a moment, climb into the minds of worshippers during the singing of that song. When the melody hits the chorus, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all day long …” I feel like the message doesn’t just belong to the songwriters Fannie Crosby and Phoebe Knapp. This is my story! I can see on the faces of many in the congregation that this is their story too. This is the story of the people I’m worshipping with. Or am I just hoping that it is?

As a music worship leader I’ve often silently asked myself if I have prepared choirs, or soloists or even musical programs with appropriate songs that meet the singers and musicians’ lives in that moment of service. I have also sought within whether particular songs or styles would be the most effective vehicle to speak into the lives of the congregation. In the perfect ministry of a song, the singer or musician’s life embodies the words and spiritual essence of that song. Wrapping his or herself around the message and powered by the Holy Spirit the singer/musician’s life and performance become one. His or her song becomes our story.

This specific notion of essential and spiritual honesty is an absolute in the worship service. Every song is like a mirror that we hold high during the service; singing the reflection of our lives, both to ourselves and to each other. Holding up the right mirrors, setting the right musical tone, the right atmosphere, and flavoring the worship appropriately is so vital to the success of the service. Let’s be real about this; sung worship doesn’t just prime the pump in our churches. Often for many, including visitors to a service, it is the pump. Choosing the right musical vehicles and streams is therefore not a superficial or trivial matter. A single tune holds the power to begin, strengthen, or… derail a person’s faith walk.

In future articles we will discuss the many facets of effective music ministry, but all strategies begin first and foremost with the centrality of prayer. Prayer for a right mind and heart of discipleship, ministry and evangelism; prayer for clarity in understanding the spiritual/musical needs of the congregation; prayer and study to gain excellence and enlargement of both skills and prospective; and most of all, prayer that during the course of service and in the course of all things, His will be done.

If we are prayerfully diligent in our music ministry, we can grow in the confidence that as singers, musicians, directors, congregants, and clergy we will sing as one in the spirit All can honestly personalize when they sing “this is my story, this is my song,” and when we raise voices in the collective chant, “when I say Jesus, you say Christ… Jesus- Christ! Jesus…”

* Mark Brandon has been a professor of music at Ramapo College of New Jersey for the past 14 years.

The author of the article welcomes your comments. Send e-mail to: mbrandon3@earthlink.net

Editor’s Note: Mark Brandon is currently working on a book Choir Stand, which centers on issues surrounding the ministry of music in the contemporary church. Professor Brandon is the coordinator of music for the 42 churches of the New Jersey conference of the AME Zion Church and the director of music in his local church for the past 22 years. Starting as a teen director of his home church's youth choir, he went on to become pianist and musical director for such artists as Ben E. King, The Drifters, Average White Band, and the Supremes. As a solo artist, he has toured worldwide including appearances as the opening act to comedienne Joan Rivers and to country artist Clint Black. He was a musical arranger for BBC television in England and the composer/producer of many television and radio commercials aired internationally. He acted in the role of the pianist in the film "She Devil" and composed the soundtrack to the PBS documentary, "Brother Men." With all those experiences he says that professional secular accomplishments are great, but his heart and focus lay in sacred musical worship, which he states is, "the air that I breathe!"

Future Articles will focus upon Selecting the Right Music, Stuck in a Musical Rut, Clergy vs. Musicians: Round 1, Hymns for HIM, Stop Playing: Do You know What You're Singing, Musical Traditions in the Local Church, Musical Hermeneutics, Tuning Up, And If I Die Before I Wake…, and A Gospel Pearl: Holy Hip Hop.

10. GOSPEL ARTIST JAMES BIGNON CAPTURES AUDIENCE:

By: Delanda S. Johnson, Guest Writer

On Saturday, July 29, Gospel Recording Artist James Bignon captured a standing room only congregation at Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas with his powerful and emotional traditional gospel music.

Bignon who was in Athens for a two and a half day gospel music workshop concluded with songs of glory and praise to the Lord with the help of his workshop choir members.
Bignon stated, “I have felt at home here in the City of Athens. Throughout my travel across the United States and other countries, this is first time that I have seen City officials (Mayor Daniel/Athens & Mayor Isaacson/Malakoff) who were here in person and stay until the end of program.”

Bignon stressed that being a good choir member means to be dedicated, dependable, eager to learn, be a leader in worship, a team member, keep God first, and be armed for battle. “You should be a blessing and not a nightmare to your choir. Remember it’s not about you, but it’s about GOD,” said Bignon.

Allen Chapel and Johnson Chapel wish to thank all of its individual sponsors and churches who supported the program.

11. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CONNECTIONAL APPEAL:

*The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse


The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always our source of strength, and we have the honour to greet you with Jesus’ joy.

The St. James AME Church in the Namibia Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green Sr is proud to announce that our St. James Trust, a welfare organ of our local church, has started a Soup Kitchen serving pensioners, orphans and vulnerable children in our town of Mariental.

And we stand in need of your financial contributions, how big or small, to help supplement the resources raised locally by our members. The St. James AME Church serve the most needy people of this town in the residential area known as Aimablaagte, and we want you to know that your contribution will add a smile to a lot of poor people and inner strength to many hungry and destitute children.

Please consider prayerfully a financial contribution to the St. James AME Church.

In the Master’s Service

*The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
Mariental
Republic of Namibia

12. HEALTH SYMPOSIUM ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND AFRICAN AMERICANS:

The overall life expectancy of African Americans continues to remain the lowest amongst the other sectors in the United States. With one third of annual deaths of African-Americans due to cardiovascular diseases, it can be concluded that the state of health for this specific group is particularly precarious. In a national effort to address health issues concerning the heart among African Americans, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency (AME-SADA) has launched a domestic health initiative to help foster a better understanding of the serious issues involved with cardiovascular diseases among this group.

Starting with a Health Symposium at the Marriott Crystal City Hotel on Thursday, September 21, 2006, AME-SADA, in partnership with the AME Church (AMEC) Second District Religious Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.), and the Second Episcopal District Health Commission will initiate a national project targeted to help promote awareness of the disease and thus reduce the mortality rates among black communities across America. “Our Cardiovascular Diseases and African American health initiative is open to the general public and designed to help people at risk. Our objectives with this symposium is to encourage African Americans to better monitor and control their cholesterol levels; consume less saturated fats; reduce their sodium intake; control their weight and adopt exercise programs; monitor and control hypertension and diabetes; decrease alcohol consumption; and eliminate tobacco use,” says AME-SADA Health Program Officer, Dr. Mitsue Colin. “According to statistics compiled by the American Heart Association, the greatest killer today among African Americans is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the impact of this disease is so vastly underestimated by the general public, we urge AME Church members and the public at large to participate at the launching of AME-SADA’s first domestic health initiative,” says Dr. Colin.

AME-SADA, the AMEC’s Second Episcopal District Health Commission and R.E.D.’s pilot programs addressing the issue of cardiovascular diseases start in the Washington, DC area September 21st. During the September 21st Health Symposium, there will be a panel of experts discussion from 9:00 AM to 12 noon with guest speakers and industry representatives discussing topics related to CVD. This will be followed by a session of non-evasive screenings (blood pressure, body fat analysis) from noon to 2:00 PM.

“Our mission is ‘Helping people to help themselves’ and we are proud of the impact we’ve had around the world over the past three decades,” says AME-SADA Executive Director Robert Nicolas, Esq., “We expect this domestic effort to affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in positive and progressive ways.” “If people want to improve their lifestyle by addressing health issues like obesity, cigarette smoking, high salt intake, improper diets and stress levels, they should definitively participate in this valuable health session,” says Mr. Nicolas.

AME-SADA and R.E.D.’s Cardiovascular Diseases and African Americans Health Initiative is free and open to the public. To meet participants’ needs for individual services and counseling advance reservations are requested. Contact AME-SADA via 202.371.8722 or e-mail to mcolin@ame-sada.org.

Established in 1977, AME-SADA is the humanitarian relief and development unit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest organized African American Methodist church in the United States. The AME church has been involved with health, education and community development issues nationally and internationally since its founding in 1787.

Contact: Mitsue Colin
202.371.8722

William Reed
202.547.4125

13. LEE CHAPEL, NASHVILLE ISSUES ANOTHER CALL TO ACTION:

*Paula Y. Holmes Minister of Music

Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1732 Scovel Street - Nashville, TN 37208, telephone 615-320-0260 announces another call to action to provide additional aid for Katrina victims. The Rev. Edward L. Thompson is the pastor of Lee Chapel.

"It's good to meet you all. I thought my Church had forgotten about us."

Those were the words of greeting received from Mrs. Lillian Sams, an 88-year-old resident of Pearlington, Mississippi, and member of Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. George Thomas, Walretta Chandler, and I were in Pearlington on Saturday, July 29, 2006 as a part of a site-visit before the Lee Chapel AME Church Mission Chorus and a few supporters go to the area on September 1-3, 2006. The purpose of the trip is to give a benefit concert for the churches in the Mississippi Annual Conference, AMEC, damaged by the 2005 hurricane. Bishop Cornal G. Henning has altered the closing day of the Conference to accommodate the concert at 2 p.m., September 2 in Hattiesburg.

After touring the progress being made to restore our sister church, Greater Mt. Zion, Pastor Frederick L. Fields suggested we go next door to meet one of his members, Mrs. Lillian Sams, the widow of the late Rev. Robert Neville Sams. Rev. Sams pastored Greater Mt. Zion for 42 years -- including the period when it was known as Big Mt. Zion in Logtown, MS, through its relocation to Pearlington, and the name change. The current structure was built during his pastorate. A FEMA-provided trailer is parked on the property where Mrs. Sams' completely uninhabitable red brick home still stands. She is quick to tell you that although it is nearly a year since Hurricane Katrina hit and almost everything was lost, she is blessed to be alive.

She shared a tiny bit of her story of survival -- from being put into a boat at her home by her daughter to go next door to Greater Mt. Zion where persons had taken refuge from the storm; taking with her a young woman and uncle for whom she was caretaker; pushing floating pews out of the way to enter the church; standing on the pulpit to be pushed and pulled into the rafters of the church to avoid drowning; waiting there for four hours before being rescued -- to learning of the death of her nephew from the storm. But she's quick to thank God, for they have been the recipients of the outpouring of great kindness from many strangers from August 2005 to date. Because of it, her knowledge that God is good is affirmed. She talked at length about the many persons who have not only visited but have been of help as efforts are made to restore her home. A recent group of volunteers was composed of women who completed a major portion of the rewiring inside. But there is so much more left to do in her home, in Greater Mt. Zion, and in the immediate neighborhood. According to published reports, only 3 of the 900 homes in Pearlington were left untouched by the hurricane. (See reference 1.) Upon the first aerial view by the nearby John C. Stennis Space Center immediately following the hurricane, it was believed that the whole city was lost as only water could be seen.

Through it all, Mrs. Sams says she has wondered where her beloved AME Church has been. We assured her that the Church has responded from across the Connection with finances, truckloads of goods and with prayer. We told her of our firsthand knowledge of efforts during the several months after the hurricane when offerings were collected, goods bought and delivered, and checks mailed. She nodded, and said "But you're the first AMEs we've seen, other than our Bishop [Henning]. We thought you didn't care." We assured her that the Church still cares, and a few folk will be back and ready to work in any way we can.

Undoubtedly, there are many areas in the Gulf Coast Region that are still in need of help, and we recognize that the rebuilding could take years. For this time, however, we're going to focus on Pearlington, MS, a town of 1,684 according to the 2000 Census, where 17% of the population is black. (See reference 2.) We invite you to assist in the effort. Specifically, we will spend the afternoon on Friday, September 1st in Pearlington delivering goods and performing whatever hands-on tasks are identified by the Pastor and neighborhood residents. On Saturday, September 2, we will give the benefit concert in Hattiesburg; and on Sunday, September 3, worship with St. James AMEC, Picayune, MS before returning to Nashville.

I have prepared a PowerPoint presentation of about 20 pictures that were taken last weekend, but it is too large to attach here. I will make it available on a CD, however, if you wish to view it. A few pictures are pasted below. Be assured, though, that even the full slide show presentation is inadequate to tell the story.

We asked Rev. Fields, Mrs. Sams and a few of the neighbors last Saturday about their current needs. What can we take back on September 1? They assured us that no clothing or food supplies are needed. Below is the beginning of a list:

- Toilet Tissue & Paper Towels (When they go to the Distribution Center, they are given 2 rolls of toilet tissue and 1 roll of paper towels)
- Gift Cards (Lowe's, Home Depot) for building supplies
- Gift Cards (Wal-Mart) for other needs
- Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, liquid Fabric Softener (Greater Mt. Zion has a small shed that has been converted to a Laundromat for the complimentary use by members of the community. The washer and dryer were donated.)
- 45 AME Hymnals (25 for Pearlington and 20 for Picayune)
- Offering Plates
- Communion Kits (the kind with the wafer and grape juice packaged together)
- African-American Heritage Hymnals

Greater Mt. Zion in Pearlington has a congregation of approximately 40 members. Rev. Fields is also the pastor currently at St. James AME Church in Picayune, which was also damaged by the storm. Although they moved back into the church in February, used pews and new ceiling fans and lights were just installed in July. St. James' congregation has approximately 30 members.

There are a few seats left on the 47-passenger bus that we have reserved for this trip. We hope that we can take at least one full bus to let the people in Pearlington and Picayune know that in addition to sending checks and goods, AMEs and some non-AME friends care enough to show up, though it is a year later.

If you know of persons who are semi-skilled in construction work, e.g., putting up sheetrock, hanging doors, installing wiring, etc., their assistance could be most valuable, depending on where they are in their rebuilding process when we return. It is hoped that there will be tasks for the unskilled among us as well. We recognize that this one weekend of efforts will not get them to the end of their rebuilding and restoration, but it is our prayer that we can provide a little help and a little cheer on this leg of their journey.

If you want to make donations toward the purchase of things on the list to be transported on the chartered bus, please make checks payable to Lee Chapel AME Church, indicate 'Mission Trip' on the memo line, and mail by Saturday, August 19 to Lee Chapel AME Church, c/o Paula Y. Holmes, Minister of Music, 1732 Scovel Street, Nashville, TN 37208.

If you desire, items from this list may also be delivered to Lee Chapel on Wednesday, August 30, when we will have a prayer and song service for the Mission trip at 7 p.m.

If you want to make a donation to the benefit concert for all of the affected churches in the area, please make your check payable to the 8th Episcopal District and send it to my attention at Lee Chapel. We will present it to Bishop Henning on your behalf, or you may send it to the District directly.

For more information, you may contact Rev. Frederick L. Fields directly at Greater Mt. Zion, 228-533-9976, fredfields@peoplepc.com; Rev. Edward L. Thompson, Pastor, Lee Chapel Church (615-320-0260), leechurch@bellsouth.net; or me (615-399-8514).

Pray for the people in the Gulf States Region, and please pray for this Mission Trip. We praise God for you. May He continue to bless you mightily!

*Paula Y. Holmes is the Minister of Music at Lee Chapel AME Church

14. UNITED METHODIST COMMISSION CALLS PROFESSOR’S REMARKS ‘INSULTING’:

By United Methodist News Service

A speech given by a professor at a United Methodist-related school was “insulting and denigrating to our African American and Latino brothers and sisters,” said the Rev. Chester Jones, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race.

Richard Lamm, a professor at the University of Denver and former governor of Colorado, spoke during an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington last week. He also made some of the same remarks during an earlier speech on multiculturalism at the Vail Symposium.

In a statement released by the commission, Jones said Lamm argues that African American and Latino “cultures” are the reasons for the “underperformance” of these communities.

“It is appalling to hear or read that a professor in one of our church related institutions believes that the secret to destroy America is through the promotion of an American society that is bilingual-bicultural, multicultural, diverse, and open to differences,” Jones said.

“Reading his speech, I was not sure if Mr. Lamm was being profoundly sarcastic or plain nativist, or simply racist. Clearly he is all of the above; his speech was written in a deeply sarcastic style, in order to show how his nativist and racist perspectives are part of America’s mainstream.”

In the statement, the Commission on Religion and Race calls for the University of Denver to develop a strategy “that counters the racist and nativist views” expressed by Lamm and to “diligently promote with professors and students the real values of a diverse and culturally sensitive society.”

Jim Berscheidt, a university spokesman, said Lamm “has the right to express his point of view, he is a tenured faculty member.” Berscheidt pointed out Lamm’s book, Two Wands, One Nation, was published outside the university.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org .

Used with Permission of UMC News Service

15. RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REVEREND JOHN PATER ASHWORTH III FROM THE PRESIDING ELDERS’ COUNCIL – 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Whereas – The loving and All Wise God, we love and serve has removed from our midst, our beloved father, brother, and friend in the ministry, the Reverend John Pater Ashworth, III, on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, from the toils and trails of this world to eternal life.

Imagine a world without the beauty and fragrance of flowers, and what would the world be without the beauty and fragrance of Christian lives? Our dear Brother’s life has not been in vain; it has filled its place in the world and will always fill a place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. We, the Presiding Elders Council, along with the entire 13th Episcopal District feel that his soul is safe with our Heavenly Father to dwell throughout eternity.

Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED – While we mourn him going from us, we are resigned to the Divine Will of the Heavenly Father. We give thanks for his life among us, for his gentle nature, his kindness of heart and his dedication to Kingdom building.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED – That as we informed the ministers of the Kentucky Conference where he served as a presiding elder, from 1990 to 1997, each minister used words to describe his administration; “gentle, kindhearted, truthful, honest, and always looking out for the his own preachers.”

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED – We, the Presiding Elders Council, extend to Mother JoJo and the family our deepest and sincere sympathy in their loss. May they rely on Him who can and will heal all sorrow and that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy be placed in the office of the 13th Episcopal District.

Respectfully Submitted:

The Reverend Linda F. Thomas-Martin, Louisville-Paducah District – West Kentucky Conference, President of the Presiding Elders Council – 2006

Submitted by the Reverend Ralph Johnson, Presiding Elder of the Lexington District, Kentucky Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District, AME Church

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District

16. OBITUARY OF THE REVEREND WILLIAM J. BAXTER, PRESIDING ELDER OF THE ORANGEBURG (SOUTH CAROLINA) DISTRICT:

*Submitted by Benjamin Harrison

Willie J. Baxter, Presiding Elder of the Orangeburg district of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina, departed this life Thursday, July 27, 2006, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, after a brief illness. Presiding Elder Baxter lived a full, joyous life exemplified by his devotion to God and his passion to uplift others.

Presiding Elder Baxter was born in St. Matthews, SC, the son of the late Eugene and Beulah Jones Baxter. The late Presiding Elder B. F. Sumpter licensed him to preach at Ebenezer AME Church. Elder Baxter was admitted to the Central Conference and ordained as an Itinerant Deacon and Elder by the late Bishop C. A. Gibbs. Elder Baxter served for over forty years as Pastor and Presiding Elder in the Central Conference. His pastoral appointments include Mount Zion, Emmanuel, and St. Peters AME Churches. Bishop John H. Adams appointed him as Presiding Elder of the Wateree and Orangeburg District. His love for people influenced his venture into several entrepreneurial pursuits.

Presiding Elder Baxter received his formal education in the Calhoun County School System, graduated from O-C Technical College, completed extensive divinity coursework, and held leadership roles within the AME Church’s Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Columbia, South Carolina communities. Elder Baxter served as Chief Marshall for the Connectional Church. He was a member of the General Conference since 1976 and served on the Episcopal Committee, General Conference Commission and Plenary Inaugural Committee. He also served as Treasurer of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church and member of the Board of Trustees for Allen University in Columbia, SC. He was an accomplished pilot and was Chairperson of the Orangeburg Aviation Commission for over ten years.

Presiding Elder Baxter is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sarah; one daughter, Gwen (Eddie) Baxter-Oakley, Ayase, Japan; three sons, Quintin, Maurice, and James all of Orangeburg; two brothers, John W. Baxter and Eugene Baxter of Orangeburg; 2 uncles, Otis Jones of Orangeburg and Willie (Liz) Baxter of Brooklyn, NY; two aunts, Katherine Major and Eula M. Baxter of Orangeburg; five grandchildren--Quamall Mays, Khylona Baxter, Ariana Oakley, Demenia, Kimberly, and Sedaris Mays; seven sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law--Elease Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Rebecca J. (Edward) Odom, and Anna R. (Curtis) McLendon; Clay (Shirley) Johnson of Orangeburg, SC Allen (Marva) Johnson, Greenville, SC and Charity Baxter of East Orange, NJ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret B. Stevenson, and one brother Marion Baxter.

*Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director 7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500 ext 107
Cell 803.528.7104
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Bernice Hearns. She was the mother of Mrs. Daisy B. Fox, New York Conference Y.P.D. Director. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral Service - Thursday, August 10, 2006

Viewing – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
1504 Beach 11th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11696
The Rev. Carl F. Hunter, Pastor
Telephone: 718-327-7043
Fax: 718-327-4540

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Daisy B. Fox
45 Zavatt Street
Inwood, NY 11096
Phone: 516-239-0876
Fax: 516-239-3502

Please remember the family of Mrs. Bernice Hearns in your prayers.

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully inform you of the passing of Mrs. Gracie Butler, the mother of the Reverend J. H. Butler, the pastor of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church of the South Atlanta District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.

Services Entrusted to:

Willie Watkins Funeral Home
1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30310

404-758-1731 - phone
404-758-3246 - fax

Homegoing Service:

Saturday, August 12th at 11:00 a.m.

Sanders Memorial Baptist Church
3077 Clarendale Drive, NW
Atlanta, GA 30327

404-355-7344

Condolences can be forwarded to:

Dr. James H. Butler
2424 Scottridge Drive, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

404-792-0933 - home

Please keep the Butler family in prayer.

BBCallowaySixth District Headquarters
African Methodist Episcopal Church

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail:
Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Cell: (615) 403-7751

20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement